{
  "url": "https://scopeofcover.com/requirements/ca/contractor-license-bond",
  "title": "California Contractor License Bond Requirements",
  "template": "requirements",
  "published": "2026-10-03",
  "updated": "2026-10-03",
  "last_verified": "2026-10-03",
  "answer": "A contractor needs a current bond to maintain an active license in California. Scope of Cover found that a separate Bond of Qualifying Individual for a Responsible Managing Employee or Officer may also be required in the amount of $25,000. An exemption from this specific bond is possible for certain owners.",
  "editor": {
    "name": "Eric Dawson",
    "title": "Editor"
  },
  "publisher": "scopeofcover.com",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-qualifying-individual-bond-amount",
      "statement": "A separate Bond of Qualifying Individual or equivalent in the amount of $25,000 may also be required for the Responsible Managing Employee or Responsible Managing Officer.",
      "value": "25000",
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "In addition, you may need to submit a separate Bond of Qualifying Individual or Information on Alternatives in Lieu of Bond Requirements in the amount of $25,000 for the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-contractor-bond-requirement-active-license",
      "statement": "To maintain an active license, a contractor must maintain a current contractor's bond, a Bond of Qualifying Individual (if required), and workers' compensation insurance coverage.",
      "value": "current contractor's bond, a Bond of Qualifying Individual (if required), and workers' compensation insurance coverage",
      "unit": "requirement",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "While the license is active, the licensee must maintain a current contractor's bond, a Bond of Qualifying Individual (if required), and workers' compensation insurance coverage.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-exemption-rfe",
      "statement": "The CSLB may grant an exemption from the requirement to file a Bond of Qualifying Individual if the RMO certifies that he or she owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or equity of the corporation for which he or she is to serve as the qualifying individual.",
      "value": "10",
      "unit": "percent",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "However, CSLB may grant an exemption from the requirement to file a Bond of Qualifying Individual if the RMO certifies that he or she owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or equity of the corporation for which he or she is to serve as the qualifying individual.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-surety-company-licensing",
      "statement": "A bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.",
      "value": "California Department of Insurance",
      "unit": "entity",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "A bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-filing-timeframe",
      "statement": "An acceptable bond must be received at the CSLB Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.",
      "value": "90",
      "unit": "days",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "quote": "An acceptable bond must be received at the CSLB Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Issuing my license",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: General bond information",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Bond_Information/Bond_General_Information.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "license": "CC BY 4.0. Attribute to Scope of Cover (https://scopeofcover.com/)."
}